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GARRY JOSEPH WAZNY
Date of Passing: Apr 04, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGARRY JOSEPH WAZNY
Following a brave and courageous battle with cancer, it is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Garry Joseph Wazny on April 4, 2024, at the age of 74.
Garry is survived by his wife Louise and his sons, Adam (Sara) and Darren.
Garry was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1950 and spent most of his life in Cooks Creek. He grew up on Park Road and attended Melrose School before moving onto Springfield Collegiate Institute, where he met Louise.
Earning his electrician ticket after high school, Garry convinced his wife to move to Gillam. “A long camping trip” is how he sold it to Louise, and his young family spent five years in the northern outpost before heading back to Cooks Creek in 1980.
From that point on, Garry became a source of reliability in Cooks Creek. There wasn’t an electrical, mechanical or structural issue he couldn’t handle and folks around the area all had his number when an emergency arrived. This responsibility to the community was synonymous with the man for 40-plus years.
After stints in the gold mines of Bissett, Garry landed at the Winnipeg Fire Department in 1988. The Building Maintenance position was perfectly suited for his tradesman smarts and social sensibilities. Known to his many friends at the fire halls as “Waz” or “Wazoo”, Garry stayed with the department for 25 years, retiring in April 2013.
Garry worked hard and he played hard. When he wasn’t on a ladder or under a hood, he enjoyed hunting and fishing and all the friendships that came with those activities. His affection for his family and outdoor pursuits was only matched by his passion for classic cars, specifically his restored 1971 El Camino.
Garry loved a good story and was an excellent storyteller. He always had time for people. The light in his garage often served as a beacon for trucks; he never turned a friend or a visitor away. Garry was generous with his time and knowledge. His reputation was built on this selflessness.
He will be missed.
The family would like to thank Dr. James Paul at CancerCare Manitoba, the staff at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre and the staff at palliative care for their support.
A Celebration of Life for Garry will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Cooks Creek Community Club (30026 Zora Road), starting at 2:00 p.m.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 13, 2024, Apr 13, 2024
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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I think of the many times over the years where “the Woz” would come to the station to repair something. It didn’t matter what it was, but he was able to figure out the problem and then repair it. Always had some inside info on the going’s on at “shop” and we always invited him to stay for lunch. He enjoyed that and was always grateful. Most sincere sympathy to the family for your loss. Truly a special man. - Posted by: Tom Best (Co-worker) on: Apr 14, 2024
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Louise and family … so very sorry to hear of Garry’s passing. Even though the years after Gillam took us in different directions does not diminish our fond memories of our shared times. - Posted by: J and L Alexander (Friends) on: Apr 13, 2024
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Condolences from old hockey friends, the Butenschons. So sorry to hear of Garry’s passing. Louise Darren and Adam. - Posted by: Ingrid and Reinhard butenschon (Old hockey friends ) on: Apr 13, 2024
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I always looked forward to Garry coming to the station. He usually let me help him and I usually learned something to take forward. Sorry to see him go. Thanks for sharing your experience. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Scott Miner (Collegue) on: Apr 13, 2024